Freud: Berggasse 19 – The Origin of Psychoanalysis

Monika Pessler, Daniela Finzl & Siri Hustvedt 

Hardcover | 16.51 x 3.56 x 24.64 cm | 384 pp

Hatje Cantz | 2020 | 9783775747356

Sigmund Freud himself was certainly aware of the significance of psychoanalysis when he founded it: he saw it on the same level as the Copernican revolution and Darwin’s theory of evolution. The theory of the subconscious, which today has the status of an anthropological paradigm, originated at Berggasse 19 in Vienna. Today, in the building where Freud lived and had his practice, there is a museum dedicated to him.

This catalogue, devoted to the fascinating, pioneering history of psychoanalysis and its impact, is appearing in conjunction with the museum’s renovation. The book sheds light on Freud’s life and work and is amply supplemented with a presentation of the museum’s art collection. 

The insightful essays on psychoanalysis, along with the Freud Museum’s art collection (initiated by Joseph Kosuth) activate Freud’s legacy, allowing the imaginary and the imagination to meet in unique ways. An introduction by the multi-award-winning author Siri Hustvedt begins the book.